Future uncertain for Little River State Forest; financial strain puts popular park in jeopardy, officials say

View full size(Submitted by Joe Cuhaj)Visitors at Little River State Forest near Monroeville, Ala., enjoy the park's lake. Boardwalks like the one shown here are in danger of closing if the state cannot find an organization to lease and maintain the popular park.

Little River State Forest, a popular wildlife and recreation area straddling the Monroe and Escambia county line, faces closure of many of its facilities by Oct. 1 if state officials don't find an organization or business willing to lease and maintain the park.

During a meeting in Monroeville last week, Alabama Forestry Commission officials discussed the financial and logistical problems they must address to keep park's lake, cabins and camping areas open to the public.

The improved areas of the park -- such as cabins, boardwalks and campsites -- face closure. Unimproved areas, the park's trails and beaches for example, will remain open regardless of the state's decision, Alabama Forestry Commission State Forester Linda Casey said.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources deeded the park on Ala. 21, long a popular spot for fishermen, hikers and campers, to the Alabama Forestry Commission in 2004, after concluding that it could not afford to run the park, Regional Forester Gary Cole said.

The forestry service does not usually administer improved parks, Cole said, but agreed to oversee the land, amenities and buildings because of the park's popularity and importance to the community.

The park, which includes a longleaf pine forest, has long been a favorite summer destination for area families, said Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheryl Vickery.

"Going (to Little River) was what my family did in the summer," she said.

Chauncey Wood, president of the Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments, said his organization frequently uses the area for training and meetings. All of the 36 volunteer fire departments in Escambia and Monroe counties, as well as some departments from Baldwin, use or have used the park for training sessions and meetings, he said.

But recent budget deficits forced the Forestry Commission to evaluate the future of the park.

The park has a total yearly budget of $160,000, Cole said. "Last year alone, the park lost $110,000," Cole said.

Cole said he thinks the park could make money if his agency could afford to improve its deteriorating infrastructure.

"The park isn't making money," he said. "We (the Forestry Commission) have not been able to put the necessary money in it to turn it around."

Several companies and investment groups, including the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, have shown interest in buying and improving the park, Cole said. The 1920s-era deed stipulates, however, that if the land ceases to be a public park, ownership would revert to the Blacksher family of the Brewton-Monroeville area who originally donated the land, Cole said.

"Basically, our hands are tied," he said. No group has yet come forward and offered to maintain the park without wanting to own it. But, Cole said, the state would not let the park revert to private ownership.

Even if the state cannot find an organization or company willing to oversee park maintenance, he said, the state would still keep the unimproved trails and wilderness areas of the park open. Only the camping, rental facilities and administrative offices would close.

But during the Monday meeting, citizens and officials from around southeast Alabama made it clear they did not want to see the park's improved areas close, Wood said.

In fact, Alabama Hiking Trail Society President and Brewton resident Erik Douglas said the community response at last week's meeting was unprecedented.

"People stood up at the meeting," he said. "Some said, 'I'm an electrician, and I will help (maintain the park). I'm a plumber and I will help.'"

More than 20 people formed a volunteer coalition to help keep the park open, Douglas said.

Casey applauded the community response, but said the forestry service still needs an organization or company willing to shoulder the park's relatively large annual budget.

"We are working closely with (citizen) coalitions and community groups to find funding," she said. "Between now and the end of September, we are hopeful someone will step forward and take over the park's maintenance."